Air Fryer Brats: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal without the mess of grilling or frying. Brats cooked in an air fryer are juicy and full of flavour, with a crispy exterior and tender interior. They can be served in a variety of ways, such as in buns or rolls with sauerkraut, onions, peppers, and mustard, or even over pasta or with vegetables. The convenience of cooking brats in an air fryer makes them a perfect option for busy weeknights, parties, and BBQs.

Recommended cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your brats will depend on your air fryer model and the number of brats you are cooking. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 380°F. If you are cooking frozen brats, you do not need to defrost them first, but you should increase the cooking time by about 3 minutes.

When cooking brats in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are cooked in a single layer with room for the hot air to circulate around them. This may mean that you need to cook your brats in batches. It is also a good idea to place a piece of bread or aluminium foil under the air fryer basket to catch any grease that drips and make cleaning easier.

The cooking time for brats in an air fryer is typically between 8 and 15 minutes. It is recommended to flip the brats halfway through the cooking process. You can check if your brats are cooked by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the centre of the brat. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (70°C). If the internal temperature reaches 165°F, some sources suggest that the brats may be overcooked and dry.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To get the perfect crispy texture, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 380°F. The higher temperature setting will ensure a crispier exterior. Place the brats in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching each other. This arrangement allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each sausage, promoting even cooking and browning.

Spray the basket with cooking spray or use an air fryer disposable liner for easier cleanup. You can also use aluminium foil with holes in it, or air fryer parchment paper, to achieve the same result. For the best crispness, cook the brats for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The total cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of doneness, the brand of brats, and the wattage and size of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

The ideal internal temperature for juicy, perfectly cooked brats is 160°F to 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check this. If you're short on time, you can cook them for as little as 8 to 10 minutes, but be careful not to burn the edges.

If you're cooking frozen brats, add 3 minutes to the total cooking time. And if you're reheating leftovers, the air fryer will crispen them up nicely again, but reduce the cooking time accordingly.

With these simple steps, you'll achieve the perfect crispy texture for your air-fried brats!

Easy clean-up methods

Cooking brats in an air fryer is not only easy but also involves minimal cleanup. Here are some tips to make cleaning up even easier:

Use Parchment Paper or Air Fryer Liners: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or air fryer-safe parchment paper to catch any grease or drippings. This will make cleanup a breeze, as you can simply throw away the parchment paper after cooking. You can also use disposable air fryer liners, which are shaped to fit perfectly into the air fryer basket.

Aluminum Foil: You can also line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil, but remember to poke holes in the foil to allow hot air to circulate properly. This will ensure that your brats cook evenly.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer can help prevent any sticking and make cleanup easier. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or oil before adding the brats to prevent them from sticking to the surface.

Single Layer of Brats: Always cook your brats in a single layer, ensuring they have room around them. This prevents overcrowding and allows for even cooking. It also makes cleanup easier, as the hot air can circulate properly, reducing the chance of grease buildup.

Catch Grease with Bread: Place a piece of bread under the air fryer basket to catch any grease that drips. This is a simple way to prevent grease from splattering or collecting in hard-to-reach places.

By following these easy cleanup methods, you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your delicious air fryer brats!

Best bratwurst brands

Yes, you can cook bratwurst in an air fryer. In fact, cooking brats in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make them any time of the year.

Now, let's get into the best bratwurst brands:

Johnsonville is a popular choice for bratwurst, with several sources mentioning this brand. They offer a range of flavors and meat types, and their bratwurst is commonly found in grocery stores. Johnsonville bratwurst is made with premium cuts of pork and, according to the company, is seasoned with a secret blend of herbs and spices. However, some reviewers have found them disappointing, especially given the company's reputation for sausages.

Other recommended brands include SE Grocers, available at Winn-Dixie and Harveys, which offers plump, juicy, and flavorful bratwurst. Aldi's bratwurst is also mentioned as a good option, particularly if you prefer a milder flavor. They are noted to be cheap and taste better than some pricier options, like Trader Joe's Bavarian brats.

When choosing a bratwurst brand, consider your personal preferences for flavor, spice levels, and meat type. Some brands offer fully cooked bratwurst, while others provide raw bratwurst that you can grill or cook in an air fryer to your desired doneness.

Serving suggestions

Brats cooked in an air fryer can be served in a variety of ways. You can place them in a soft white bun, a crusty roll, a hoagie roll, brioche bun, or a pretzel bun. You can also serve them without a bun to keep the meal low-carb or keto-friendly.

There are many topping options to choose from, such as sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, caramelized onions, crispy fried onion strings, and pickles. You can also add some cheese, such as Swiss cheese, and melt it by putting it in the hot air fryer for 1-2 minutes. Brats can be served with various side dishes, including German potato salad, coleslaw, homemade French fries, slaw, beans, or fried potatoes.

If you're serving a crowd, you can cut the brats into bite-sized pieces and serve them on toothpicks as an appetizer. You can also put together a 'brat buffet' with an assortment of condiments, toppings, and sides, allowing guests to customize their own plates.

Frequently asked questions